Famous boys’ club to build on its facilities
PERMISSION GRANTED FOR ALL-WEATHER PITCH WITH FLOODLIGHTS
A TOP football club that has produced players like Alan Shearer and Peter Beardsley has been given the go-ahead to improve its facilities.
Wallsend Boys’ Club, based at Bigges Main, Rheydt Avenue, in the town, has nurtured generations of young footballers, with many going on to play the game professionally.
The group now wants to boost its services and has been given permission to create a new indoor pitch as well as an outdoor 4G pitch which can be used all year round.
The scheme, which was approved by a North Tyneside Council committee on Tuesday, also includes a new extension to the clubhouse building to provide meeting spaces, offices and event areas.
At the meeting, it was said the 4G pitch would replace the existing pitch and have a more robust surface that could be used in all weathers. In their report, planning officers said: “The main aim of the proposed works is to create a high quality facility which will allow for year-round use and attract visitors and teams to the area. The proposed 4G pitch with lighting has been relocated further to the north west of the site, away from the existing houses to the south and east. Economically and socially there will be benefits as a result of the proposed works due to the improvement of existing sports facilities, which will benefit the local community and attract visitors to the area.”
Councillors discussed whether the pitch, with floodlights, should be allowed to operate after 9pm.
Coun Jim Allan proposed the cutoff point should be 10pm as this would allow any evening games to finish on time. And Coun John Hunter said: “I will support that. If kick-off is a little bit late, then 10pm should be the finishing time.”
The suggestion was approved. The scheme received a number of support letters from members of the public. One said: “The plans look really fantastic. It will provide great opportunities for children and young people, not only in the immediate area but surrounding areas. Can’t wait to see the finished product.”
Another supporter added: “This is a very well organised club with strong committee and infrastructure. The one thing they are missing is all-weather pitches, somewhere the kids and adults can play football throughout the year, regardless of conditions.”